Mastering Window Dressings
Window Dressings
This month the clocks ‘fall’ back and the evenings will be longer. It’s a time of year when hunkering down seems close to our hearts as we cosy up for the beginning of winter. Drawing the curtains was a tradition in my childhood home. It seemed no sooner had we come home from school and the curtains would be closed for the long evening ahead.
With this in mind let’s look at some of the most popular options of window dressings:
Curtains & Drapes
Curtains are typically lighter in weight than drapes, and often unlined, suitable for spaces where natural light is desired. They can be sheer, allowing light to filter through while providing some privacy, or made from slightly heavier fabrics to add a soft touch to the room. Drapes, on the other hand, are usually lined and made from heavier fabrics. They are ideal for creating a more formal look and can be used to block out light entirely, making them perfect for bedrooms or media rooms. The choice of fabric, from luxurious silks and velvets to casual cottons and linens, can set the tone of the room. The colour and pattern of the drapes should complement the room’s colour scheme and decorative style.
Slatted Blinds
Blinds offer a sleek and modern window dressing solution. They come in various materials, including wood, faux wood, aluminium, and vinyl. Venetian blinds, with their horizontal slats, allow precise control over light and privacy. Vertical blinds are a practical choice for large windows or sliding doors.
Fabric Blinds
Fabric blinds provide a softer alternative to slatted ones. They are available in several styles, such as Roman, roller, and pleated. Roman blinds add elegance with their cascading folds, while roller blinds offer a minimalist and clean look. Pleated blinds are excellent for insulation, helping to regulate the room’s temperature. The joy of opting for fabric blinds is that you can choose a colour and style that match your interior perfectly. Buying them on-line is fairly straightforward but if you have a tricky window to dress then having bespoke blinds made is definitely the way to go.
Shutters
Shutters are a timeless and durable window dressing option. They come in various styles, including plantation and café shutters. Plantation shutters, with their wide slats, are perfect for a classic or coastal look and offer excellent light control and privacy. Café shutters cover only the bottom half of the window, providing privacy while still allowing light to enter from the top.
Valances & Pelmets
Valances are short fabric treatments that cover the top portion of the window, adding a decorative touch and concealing curtain rods or blinds’ hardware. They come in various styles, from tailored to ruffled, and can add a touch of elegance or whimsy, depending on the fabric and design. Pelmets are similar but more structured, often made from wood and upholstered with fabric. They add architectural interest and can make windows appear larger and more prominent. One of my very first professional window dressing commissions was to make a pair of curtains and a matching pelmet. It was a fantastic experience and, like the image below, the pattern was quite complex and had to be matched across the pelmet and curtains.
Layering Window Dressings
Combining different types of window dressings can create a rich, layered look. For example, pairing sheer curtains with heavier drapes allows for flexible light control and adds depth to the window treatment. Similarly, using blinds or shades with a valance or pelmet can blend functionality with style. I have recently specified a pair of sheers and a pair of lined curtains into a client’s home with the view to providing a sunlight filter to allow working at the dining table and to add a decorative finish to their doors to the garden. Both fabrics were from the Ian Mankin Coast Collection of fabrics.
Practical Considerations
When selecting window dressings, consider the room’s purpose and the amount of light and privacy needed.
Conclusion
Window dressings are a key part of interior design, capable of transforming a space’s look and feel. By carefully choosing and combining different options, you can enhance your home’s appeal while meeting practical needs. The majority of suppliers in this article are preferred supplier partners and as such as part of my Procurement Service I am at liberty to share my trade discount with my bona fide clients. Please contact me for more details.
